We are visiting Provence and staying in Arles. We are NOT renting a car. Intend to use trains and busses to visit Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Nimes on separate days. When in Nimes, would like to see the nearby Pont du Gard and photograph it from the river level. Assume a taxi would be one way to get there (have no idea of the cost), but is there any other public transportation out of Nimes that would get me there and back? Thanks for any suggestions.
Dave
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
There is a bus.
Posted by
Reston, VA, USA
810 posts
David, we just got back from a week in southern France - we stayed in Montpellier and Avignon, with a day trip to Nimes from Mpl. Getting around by train was very easy. However, getting to Pont du Gard did not seem very easy and was going to take a lot of time as the buses are infrequent, so we splurged on an all-day excursion with Provence Panorama that took us to St Remy, Les Baux, Pont du Gard, and Orange (Roman arch and a Roman theater in great shape). It was really worth it; our guide was excellent and we packed a lot into that day. They also have a half-day trip that covers Nimes, Pont du Gard, and Uzes, which might work well for you. PM me if you would like further information on this outfit. I think Rick suggests taking a taxi to Pont du Gard and timing your visit so you can return by bus; that might be another option for you. My RS Provence guidebook, which is a few years old, gives an estimated taxi fare of 50 euros from Nimes or Avignon; higher on Sundays and evenings. Have a great trip! This was my first time in southern France and I loved it!
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
We just came back from using Avignon as a base. We used a tour company for an all day tour of the area which included Pont du Gard. We used Provence Tours and Marie was our guide. Very happy with the tour.
Posted by
OP
Silver Spring, MD
62 posts
Many thanks for the responses to my question. We intend to self tour Avignon, Nimes, Arles and Aix-en-Provence. It seems best to select a tour company for Pont du Gard and some of the other "out of the way" locations. We'll follow-up with the tour resources posted in your messages. Again thank you,
David
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Do you have Rick Steves Provence And The French Riviera? This book has much more detail on the region than his general France book, including very specific directions on getting between the towns and sights without a car.
Posted by
OP
Silver Spring, MD
62 posts
I now have Rick's Provence book and see the information about Pont du Gard and the bus stops. I can now work out a schedule. Thank you.
Dave